Deputy Director

Utility Reform Network•Oakland, CA

7h•$210,000 - $265,000•Hybrid

About The Position

TURN (The Utility Reform Network) is a non-profit advocacy organization committed to ensuring affordable, reliable, and sustainable utility services for all California residents. We advocate for policies that protect consumers and advance race equity, particularly in underserved communities, through regulatory advocacy, at the California Public Utilities Committee (CPUC), policy advocacy at the state legislature, grassroots organizing and engagement, and messaging campaigns through media coverage. TURN believes in a society where clean power, phone, and broadband are treated as basic rights for all families. The Deputy Director is a senior leadership role responsible for supplementing and extending the capacity of the Executive Director (ED) in organizational strategy, internal management, development/fundraising, and key external partnerships. This role serves as a strategic thought partner to the ED and Board of Directors, works closely with program directors, and ensures cohesive alignment across departments. The Deputy Director will play a pivotal role in expanding TURN’s impact, identifying new funding opportunities, strengthening donor engagement, cultivating institutional partnerships, and enhancing organizational effectiveness., including technological advancement. The ideal candidate is an experienced nonprofit leader with a strong background in development, operational management, equity-centered leadership, and community based social justice movement building.

Requirements

Minimum 8–10 years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit management and regulatory requirements, public policy, advocacy, or related fields.
Demonstrated success in fund development, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and partnership-building.
Strong understanding of issues related to consumer advocacy, energy justice, telecommunications equity, and social justice organizing.
Experience managing teams, cross-functional projects, and organizational change.
Excellent verbal messaging for media engagement and written communication skills to effectively represent TURN policy and priorities.
Familiarity with effective use of social media as an advocacy tool.
Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and political analysis skills.
Demonstrated experience and commitment to advancing racial equity, economic justice, and community empowerment.
Willingness to live in proximity to Bay Area or Sacramento.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in the California nonprofit, advocacy, and/or legal policy landscape.
Subject matter expertise in energy, climate, telephone, broadband and race equity policy is highly desirable.
Demonstrated experience with California regulatory agencies such as the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the CA legislative bodies and electoral process.
Prior experience serving as a chief of staff, Executive Director, deputy director, development director, or program director.
Advanced degree in Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Bilingual Spanish language proficiency is a plus.

Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Organizational Strategy Serve as a key partner to the Executive Director on organizational priorities, strategic initiatives, and operational planning.
Coordinate cross-departmental coordination to ensure smooth communication, accountability, and progress toward organizational goals.
Support development and implementation of multi-year strategic plans, annual work plans, and organizational performance metrics.
Lead special projects and initiatives at the direction of the ED, including new program development, process improvements, and organizational restructuring when needed.
Partner with the ED to attend staff, program team and board meetings, and fill in when the ED is unavailable.
Development & Fundraising Partner with the Executive Director and Philanthropy Director to build and execute a comprehensive development strategy.
Lead efforts to diversify and grow TURN’s funding streams, including individual giving, institutional grants, corporate partnerships, foundation support, and government funding.
Identify, research, and pursue new funding opportunities aligned with TURN’s mission and strategic priorities.
Build strong relationships with key funders, donors, and philanthropic partners; serve as strategy partner with ED to prepare for high-level donor engagements.
Draft and review compelling proposals, letters of intent, case statements, annual reports, and grant reporting materials.
Familiarity with technologies that strengthen internal systems for tracking development metrics and ensuring fundraising compliance.
External Relations & Strategic Partnerships Represent TURN in external meetings, public forums, coalitions, philanthropic convenings, and community engagement opportunities.
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with community-based organizations, advocacy groups, regulatory agencies, and legislative offices.
Partner with ED in strengthening TURN’s public profile through media engagements, presentations, briefings, and stakeholder outreach.
Organizational Management & Team Leadership Provide supervision and coaching to key program and administrative leaders, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
Champion TURN’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; integrate equity principles into organizational policies and practices.
Support HR, Finance, and Operations leaders with organizational planning, staffing needs, talent development, and workload alignment.
Lead internal communication, staff development initiatives, and culture-building efforts.
Support the alignment, development, and efficacy of individual staff, teams, and initiatives.
Board Relations Partner with the ED in preparing materials for Board meetings, including strategic updates, funding reports, and program summaries.
Represent the ED in Board meetings, committees and retreats when the ED is unavailable.
Participate as lead staff in Board committees as assigned by the ED.
Strengthen transparency, communication, and alignment between Board and staff.